A History of the A-10 Warthogs in Battle Creek

A Presentation by Brigadier General Ronald W. Wilson

Brigadier General Ronald W. Wilson (Ret.) served as the Director of the Joint Staff for the Michigan National Guard. In this role, General Wilson oversaw the coordination and integration of Army and Air assets to support Michigan in the domestic operations enterprise. As Director of the Joint Staff, he versed the coordination and integration of Army and Air Force forces in supporting Michigan’s role in protecting the homeland. He also assisted the Michigan Air National Guard Commander in the administration of units located at Selfridge ANG Base, Battle Creek Air National Guard Base and the Combat Readiness Training Center in Alpena, Michigan.

General Wilson received his commission as a second lieutenant in 1983 through the University of Wisconsin-Superior Reserve Officer Training Corps Program. He served eight years on active duty primarily as an A-10 pilot before joining the Michigan Air National Guard. He has served in numerous assignments in both flying and operations, as well as command positions from the squadron through wing level. General Wilson has deployed in support of multiple operations including Operations Southern Watch, Allied Force, Iraqi Freedom, and Enduring Freedom. Prior to assuming his military position as Director of the Joint Staff, General Wilson was Commander, 110th Attack Wing, Battle Creek Air National Guard Base, Michigan.

General Wilson has brought his many years of experience to the LCRT team. General Wilson has spent the last several years in a master’s program at American Public University, gaining a master’s degree in Space Studies, with a concentration on astronomy. His thesis, culminating his master’s degree, is exploring the utilization of active surface being applied to the LCRT. To include active surface General Wilson has been also exploring lunar dust and laser mitigation technology for LCRT.

He will be delivering a special presentation on the history of the A-10 Warthogs when the 110th Attack Wing was in Battle Creek. In his career spanning 40 years in the Air Force, he has received numerous awards and decorations, including the Distinguished Fyling Cross, Meritorious Service Medal with two bronze oak leaf clusters, the Air force Combat Action Medal, and many more. He has logged more than 4000 flight hours in five different military aircraft, including the A-10 Warthog.